HMC Architects recently participated in the American Heart Association’s inaugural Inland Empire STEM Goes Red event, where more than 100 local high school girls came together to explore future pathways in STEM.

STEM Goes Red introduces young women to a wide range of STEM careers with featured panelists and interactive and listening‑focused breakout sessions to keep students engaged throughout the day. We were proud to participate and sponsor the event with Tilden‑Coil Constructors, U.S. Bank,  California Baptist University, Howmet Aerospace, Ontario Police Department, and Mulholland Consulting.

HMC led two breakout experiences: a combined industry mixer and an immersive VR session that gave students a hands‑on look at the world of architecture and how we collaborate with our communities. We shared site plans, 3D‑printed elements, sketches, and material boards, and walked students through a VR tour of projects currently in construction near the Toyota Arena. VR quickly became a highlight and session favorite for many of the students. Our breakout ran in parallel with Tilden‑Coil Construction’s drone‑operations demonstration, giving students even broader exposure to careers in the built environment.

The feedback from students was incredibly encouraging. Several expressed a new interest in pursuing architecture or taking an introductory design course in college, and one student noted she couldn’t wait to bring what she learned back to her high school architecture club. The energy throughout the day was inspiring, and students mentioned they’re already looking forward to next year’s event.

Thank you to our HMC team Abigail Robles, Brandon Gullotti, Ariadne Zepeda, Chelsea Santos, Gina Auduong, and Tessy Lopez who represented the firm with enthusiasm and intention. We were grateful for the opportunity to connect with these future STEM leaders and proud to support the Inland Empire’s first STEM Goes Red event.